I had an 07 with the 5.4 for a while, put about 20k on it before I had to get rid of it and get something cheaper (had a kid and all that).

I sell cars at a dealership and we just took in a beautiful 2004 STX 4x4 with the 4.6L and 90,000 miles on it. It comes with a nice cap, bedliner, and the seats have had covers on them from the day it was new -- they are spotless. It has the manual windows and everything, but it's in really good shape and will allow me to keep a truck and have room for the growing family.

[b]Are there any areas I need to check to make sure there isn't a problem, like certain areas that rust and things to look out for etc?p/b]

Also, I'm assuming the life expectency of the 4.6L is > 150k when properly maintained...the guy definitely took care of the truck and the service records are all in the computer and everything.

Also, there is an open recall on it, with the clockspring air bag wire or something, which I'm assuming is not that big of a deal.

Thanks!

 

The clockspring recall isn't a big deal. Just a new wiring harness for the airbag with more insulation around the wires.

Off the top of my head I can't think of anything I've had serious problems with. Any minor issues that have come up over the years are/were not 4.6 or STX specific. I have 70k on the truck and still going strong. It sounds like you said, the guy really took care of it, and at 90,000 with the 4.6 I see it having at least another 60k if not more.

Best part of the STX in my opinion is the vinyl floor. I duck hunt and its nice to be able to jump in the truck with your waders on.

 

It's a solid combination. The 4.6L doesn't feel any slower than the 5.4L. That is to say, they're both slow. And it has two big advantages over the 5.4L. There's no cam phasers to break, and it takes regular spark plugs. The 5.4L is infamous for cam phasers breaking, and spark plugs breaking off when trying to replace them.

The 4.6L will take you well over 300,000 miles if you take care of it. It's solid.

 

I've got an '05 with 106K on the clock, still running great with no powertrain issues. The 4.6 is a great little motor, it's tough as nails, no worries there

That said it's not a speed demon nor is it a heavy tower. I've used it to haul different things around and I even towed over 7k behind it on just short of a 400 mile trip without any issues, I only noticed the weight behind me when going up a steep grade

They're good trucks, if you want something fast, buy a Mustang; if you want to tow the world around behind you, buy an F350; but if you want a reliable truck that'll do anything most half-tons are gonna see and won't leave you on the side of the road, the 4.6 will do the job just fine

 

I have a 4.6 with 3.73 gearing and its pretty good. I have it on 35"s and can still tow just fine. So far the motor has been great and I have around 140k on it right now and can see it going for a while longer. Its no speed demon but its a truck and it works as a truck just fine plus it has less issues than the 5.4 most of the time.

 

I had an '04 scab 4.6 4WD STX, no issues other than the infamous bed shake, but so did my '06 with the 5.4. Other than that it was a pretty decent truck, not as much pulling torque as my 5.4 but not an issue if your not towing much weight. Gas mileage was basically the same between the two.

 

I've got an 05 STX 4x4 with 75k on it and I've never had a single problem with it. I absolutely love it. Friends laugh about the crank windows but that feature really doesn't bother me. She still runs like a charm.

 

I would only recommend a 4.6 in a reg cab or 2WD configuration. Even then, there leaves much to be desired.

 

My 4.6 is a 4x4 SCAB. Besides not being a speed demon and putting uphill (with a 7k load behind it), I've got no issues with it. Like I said, you want to go fast, buy a car, tow the world, buy a 1 ton. If you want a good reliable motor that'll still haul more than most people even use 1/2 tons for, the 4.6 will be more than willing and will keep doing it for miles to come.

Nothing against 5.4s, I'm just speaking from experience

 

I have an 06 stx, and it's been through hell and back. The 4.6 is pretty much bulletproof, as long as you maintain them. The only problem I have had with my truck was the spider gears in the rear-end.(previous owner, hauled a fully loaded logging trailer 5 days a week. i didn't know that when i bought it) And one night i had a Designated Driver damn near total it, but other than that I haven't had ANY mechanical issues's what so ever. Probably the best vehicle i have ever had, hands down!

 

Ive got 322,000 on my 4.6 and the only problems I have had with it was the alternator and the Ford power steering whine, neither of which are motor specific issues.

Great solid motor. Oh yeah, that is Km, not miles since I am in Canada. Change the oil, change the oil, change the oil change the air cleaner, change the oi....... It will last a long long time.

 

they are very stout motors, but to be honest this quote is true. my pops has an 05 4.6 stx. not having carpet is nice, but its not quite enjoyable for me to drive. my 5.4 feels much better obviously.

the 4.6 is very stout, he has had no problems with it at all. i dont even mind it around town either, its just super annoying on the highway, any sort of grade uphill , trailer or no trailer, i feel like it always has to downshift or unlock the converter.

 

:chevy was first truck than an f100still running now 2004 140000 no problems f150 stx filth wheel enabled 26ft no problem so far

 

171,000 on my 08 Scab 2WD and no issues or complaints. 4.6 is a stout lil beast

 

Just out of curiosity, did you ever own a truck made before 2005? Somehow, the world was able to get by with trucks making less than 200 HP... I mean REAL 1 ton trucks, somehow, I dont see how your F150 cant handle it